Pandemic Influenza Roles and Responsibilities for Delaware

Jaime H. Rivera, MD, FAAP
Director, Division of Public Health
Delaware Department of Health and Social Services

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As director of Delaware’s Division of Public Health, Dr. Jaime H. “Gus” Rivera, MD, FAAP oversees more than 1,700 workers and an annual budget in excess of $130 million. The division protects and enhances the health of Delawareans by working with health partners, addressing issues that impact public health, by promoting healthy lifestyles and available services, and by responding to critical health issues and disasters.

Dr. Rivera promotes Governor Minner’s health priorities of reducing cancer, infant mortality and health disparities, as well as leading the state’s public health preparedness planning. Dr. Rivera works closely with his Division’s Public Health Preparedness Section, which for the past two years has successfully orchestrated exercises called “Diamond Shield I and II,” which tested the readiness of the Division and its health partners. 

Before coming to the Division of Public Health, Dr. Rivera worked at Elder Health Pennsylvania HMO. Between 1987 and 1999, he practiced pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology in Delaware. He also worked for Coventry Health Care of Delaware as Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Rivera served as Chairman of the Delaware Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic Affairs under Governors Thomas R. Carper and Ruth Ann Minner. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Delaware and sits on its executive and finance committees.